Why do Muslims fast on Mondays and Thursdays?
Muslims fast on Mondays and Thursdays because the Prophet ﷺ did, and he explained that people's deeds are shown to Allah on these two days. He loved for his deeds to be presented while he was fasting. It is a voluntary sunnah, not an obligation, and a popular way to keep fasting all year.
Deeds are presented on these days
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday, and I love that my deeds are presented while I am fasting" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 747). It's a beautiful idea: your week's actions reach Allah while you are in a state of worship and self-restraint.
In another hadith he said the gates of Paradise are opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and every believer who does not associate partners with Allah is forgiven, except two people who hold a grudge against each other (Sahih Muslim 2565). So these days are also a good time to make peace with someone.
Monday: the day he was born
When the Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on Monday, he said: "That is the day I was born, and the day on which revelation came to me" (Sahih Muslim 1162). Fasting Mondays is a way of thanking Allah for sending him.
How it works in practice
- Intention: decide the night before. For a voluntary fast, you can even decide in the morning if you haven't eaten since Fajr.
- Suhoor: eat before Fajr, just like Ramadan, and stop at Fajr time. See What time do I start and stop fasting in Ramadan?
- One or both: you don't have to do both days every week. Monday only, or once a month, is still sunnah.
- Breaking it: if something comes up, such as a work lunch or feeling unwell, you may break a voluntary fast. Scholars differ on whether you then make it up.
- Combining: if you owe Ramadan days, many people make them up on Mondays and Thursdays.
Spiritual and practical benefits
A weekly fast keeps the Ramadan feeling alive, trains patience, and gives you a regular moment to check your heart. Many converts also find that it makes the next Ramadan far easier, because the body is already used to fasting. See What are the benefits of fasting in Islam?
Some people compare it to the 5:2 diet, but the aim is worship, not weight loss. See Is Ramadan fasting the same as intermittent fasting?
- Deeds are shown to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 747).
- Monday is the day the Prophet ﷺ was born and first received revelation.
- It is a voluntary sunnah: do one day, both, or occasionally.
- It's also a good time to make up missed Ramadan days.
People also ask
Does masturbation break your fast?
Yes, deliberate masturbation breaks your fast according to the four schools. What to do: make up the day, take a ghusl, repent; most say no kaffarah.
Read the full answer →Can I sleep all day while fasting?
Yes, you can sleep all day while fasting and your fast stays valid, but you must still wake up for Dhuhr and Asr. How to balance rest in Ramadan.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims fast on a Friday only?
No, Muslims shouldn't single out Friday alone for a voluntary fast. Add Thursday or Saturday; Arafah and make-up days on Friday are fine.
Read the full answer →What are the voluntary fasts in Islam?
Voluntary fasts in Islam include Arafah, Ashura, six days of Shawwal, Mondays and Thursdays, and the white days. A simple guide for all.
Read the full answer →What are the six days of Shawwal?
The six days of Shawwal are voluntary fasts after Ramadan that bring the reward of a full year. When to fast them and missed-day rules.
Read the full answer →